UNDER OBSERVATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17033, 5 May 1923, Page 7

UNDER OBSERVATION.

PRIVATE DETECTIVES’ EARNINGS. In the London Divorce Court recently Mr Justice Horridge told a jury that a detective’s evidence should be regarded with suspicion because he was paid to discover guilt and never innocence. That is the usual attitude of the courts (states the “ Daily Mail.”) The result iis that detectives appear less and less frequently iii the Avitness box. They are used to find out the facts. Others are then secured to give evidence. The majority of people have an exaggerated idea of what a private detective earns. His is by no means a well paid occupation. The enormous sums mentioned in the courts as spent on the services of detectives are paid to the inquiry agencies. Only a small proportion reaches the detective. He may perhaps earn £4 a week Many of these men are ex-valets or clerks "who have drifted into “ sleuthing ” when nothing better offered. The agencies have each their little clientele of solicitors. Very feAV detectives work “on their own.” As a rule a solicitor rings up the agency—nothing is ever put into writing—and one of the principals will call at his office, often taking with him the man who will be detailed for the .job. If it is a Avatching case the detective will be given a photograph and told where his prev can be located. Perhaps a clerk will be sent along to point the man or woman out. If inquiries are to be made the solicitor Avill explain Avhat information is required and Avhere it can probably be obThe detective Avill then be told how’ much money he can spend—if he has to work with a small margun for ex- . penses or if it is a case where evidence ia to be secured at am' cost. Tf money is no object his work is made much easier. , , . F>ach evening the detective has to make out his report, telling the solicitor what he has discovered, or, more usually, explaining why so far he has been unsuccessful. No names appear anywhere in this report. Initials only are used. If the identity of some person has been established this is left blank and is communicated verbally to the solicitor. The time is qoming when, the well-

educated private detective will be able to make a good living. Already one or two ex-officers are. i starting in practice, i